The Children

There is no way I can write down the events of the past two days in a way that describes them fully. I am amazed, humbled and inspired by Sudan and the beautiful people here.

The last two days we have spent at Iris, which is one of the orphanages in Yei. Except they don't refer to it as an orphanage, they call it a children's village. Michelle, who is the mama of the village, says that the kids have a heavenly Father, and they are all His sons and daughters. It is amazing how over 90 children function together as one big family.

The kids are beautiful beyond description. They giggle and laugh and love being held. I've spent most of my time with the smaller ones as the older ones are in school for most of the day. Jambe is my little helper. She has big eyes, rich dark skin and comes running when she sees me. Today she played with my hands for a long time, I don't think she could get over the whiteness of my skin and how if she pressed on my fingers they turn red. I want to say she is four or five, but most of them don't know how old they are. But she can count to ten in English and snap her fingers when she sings Jesus Loves Me. I love her.

Most of the kids have cuts on their arms and knees and feet that don't get treated. Their clothing is literally rags. Today we tried to sew some of their clothing but it is just so beat up that there's not a lot we can do. A toddler came up to me when we arrived and grabbed my ankles. He wasn't wearing anything and had snot all over his nose and mouth. He cried until I picked him up, and as soon as I did he fell asleep in my arms. He was so congested and would wake up every once in awhile and cry. It broke my heart that the only thing I could do for this poor baby was wipe off his face and let him sleep on me. If he was an American baby, his mother would not have waited a second before taking him to the doctor.

But honestly, good clothing and medical attention are the only main things these kids are lacking. They are so full of God's joy. The atmosphere at Iris is incredible and I don't know how to adequately explain it. Their favorite things to do are to sing and pray. They take care of each other so well, and genuinely love each other as brothers and sisters. There is something beautiful here in this big family village that is rarely found in families in America. I feel God's presence working in these children and that is so much better than food and clothing. I keep thinking of the verses in Matthew that talk about how we shouldn't be anxious about things because our heavenly Father feeds the sparrows and clothes the grass, so how much more will He take care of His children. I know He will provide for the children of Iris, because He has already provided for them in so many ways.

I have been so blessed by these children. We started handing out cards today and I can not wait for you all to see pictures! They are so grateful. We only have two more days with them, which makes me sad. I have so many other stories to tell you, but I have been hogging the computer for a long time. On a much funnier note, Billy drives us around on this red motorbike with a cart in the back. It is hilarious. I am sure the town of Yei thinks Billy puts his women in a cart trucks them around like his goats. The boda boda (taxi) drivers shout out and make offers for us, so I think Billy should put price tags on us.

Ok I love you all! Thank you for making cards and praying for me! Pray for the children of Iris that God would provide for them!

Abby